HealthLines

A display in "Genome: Unlocking Life's Code" exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute and the Smithsonian Institution developed the exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Maggie Bartlett, National Human Genome Research Institute

Break a Sweat, Reduce Your Stroke Risk

Here's another reason to exercise. New research suggests that regular exercise—enough to break a sweat—may reduce the risk of having a stroke.

Strokes happen when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds or is blocked by a clot. Brain cells then quickly begin to die. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and being inactive are risk factors.

Researchers looked at the medical histories and lifestyle characteristics of thousands of people in a large, long-term study. Inactive people were 20 percent more likely to have a stroke or a "mini-stroke" known as a TIA than people who exercised four or more times a week. Researchers say that's likely explained by the positive effect exercise has on high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

NIH's National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke funded the study.

Possible Malaria Vaccine Shows Promise

Tests of an experimental malaria vaccine show that it's safe and protects a small number of healthy adults from infection. Researchers call the results a promising first step.

Malaria is a serious disease. Infected mosquitoes pass it to humans through a bite. Malaria occurs rarely in the U.S., but is still a major threat in other parts of the world.

A company in Maryland developed the new vaccine, known as PfSPZ Vaccine. An early-stage clinical trial was done at the NIH Clinical Center. Healthy adult volunteers who agreed to participate were given the vaccine and closely monitored. Researchers say there were no major side effects or infections from the vaccine.

Right now, the vaccine is administered into a vein instead of the more common routes into the muscle or under the skin. More studies are anticipated to determine the best dose and delivery method. Researchers with the Vaccine Research Center of NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases conducted the study, along with researchers from a number of other organizations.

Healthy Eyes: Read All About It

If you want to learn how to keep your eyes healthy as you age, you can visit the NIHSeniorHealth website. A new topic page, "Healthy Eyes," offers a variety of tips. For example, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, can help to keep your eyes healthy and disease free. There's also information on finding an eye care professional, preparing for your visit, and what to expect when you get there. The "Healthy Eyes" topic page was developed by NIH's National Eye Institute. The NIHSeniorHealth website was developed by the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine.

Taking a Genomic Journey

A new exhibition gives people a unique look at the genome—all the hereditary material of an organism. "Genome: Unlocking Life's Code" is on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, until September 1, 2014. After that, it will travel around North America. NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History developed the exhibition. It's filled with interactive displays, animations, and videos that give people a new understanding of themselves.